'I get sent scripts regularly and they are badly written and insulting'

She’s one of Britain’s most popular TV actresses, known for her starring roles in a succession of hit dramas – most notably her 10-year stint as DSI Sandra Pullman in BBC1’s New Tricks. So you would assume that, professionally, life would be pretty easy for Amanda Redman these days, with plum jobs being offered upon a plate.

It couldn’t be further from the truth, admits the 58 year old, who explains that decent female roles are a scarce commodity.

“I get sent scripts regularly and they are badly written and insulting. The women I’m asked to play are one-dimensional.

“TV bosses don’t seem to find people of my decade interesting,” she continues. “There are a few good roles a year in Britain for women in their fifties and that’s not enough to go round. I find it ridiculous because it’s one of the richest times in a woman’s life.”

It’s such a joy to see the next generation of talent coming through

Amanda Redman

A striking woman – vivacious, blonde and blue eyed – it seems hard to believe that she struggles, but Amanda, who is refreshingly outspoken, says, “Try to think of a woman in her fifties in a leading role on television right now. There isn’t one. It’s just insidious sexism.”

In such a difficult climate, Amanda earned a BAFTA nomination this year for her portrayal of Gwen “Dove” Cooper, Tommy Cooper’s wife in Not Like That, Like This, an ITV biopic about the famous comedian.

And her latest series, an ITV three-parter

The Trials Of Jimmy Rose – in which she plays Jackie, the wife of a notorious armed robber – looks set to make an impact, too, with a stellar cast that includes Ray Winstone, Marion Bailey and Downton Abbey’s Tom Cullen.

“As soon as I heard Ray would be playing my on-screen husband, it was a no-brainer,” laughs Amanda, who has been friends with the 58-year-old actor since they starred together in the film Sexy Beast in 2000.

“Then Marion was cast as my sister – we played sisters in a series in 1985 and have been best friends since. We’re godmothers to each other’s daughters! It was the dream line-up.”

ITV

In The Trials of Jimmy Rose Amanda plays Jackie, the wife of a notorious armed robber

Written and created by Alan Whiting (Wire In The Blood, Half Broken Things) and filmed on location in Manchester last winter, Amanda says she was instantly drawn to the character of Jackie.

“She fascinated me because she’s like Mrs Soprano in The Sopranos – she knows what her husband is doing, but as long as her life isn’t affected then she doesn’t care, which is something I can’t relate to at all.”

But during his latest stretch in prison, Jimmy’s family have moved on with their lives and it’s a largely frosty reception he returns home to in episode one. Jackie no longer knows if she loves him and as he struggles to leave his criminal ways behind him, their marriage comes under further strain.

Filming the drama was a stretch of the imagination for Amanda, who has been happily married to designer Damian Schnabel since 2010. She also has a close relationship with her daughter, Emily, from her previous marriage to Robert Glenister.

But while the lack of meaty roles on offer is frustrating, Amanda has plenty to keep her busy. Her tireless work for the Artists Theatre School in Ealing, west London, which she founded 20 years ago, continues to occupy a huge chunk of her time and she was rewarded for her efforts with an MBE in 2012.

Asked whether she misses the hit series New Tricks and Amanda reveals she has no regrets.

“I had a fabulous time working on New Tricks, but I try not to look back. Right now, what sustains me is my school. I get such a kick out of watching young actors develop. I just love it. It’s such a joy to see the next generation of talent coming through.”